The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has announced the appointment of Professor Ibibia Worika, a renowned legal expert and administrator, as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The appointment, which takes immediate effect, follows a rigorous selection process that highlighted Worika’s extensive experience, academic credentials, and policy expertise.
In a statement released by the Rivers State Government, the Sole Administrator praised Worika’s distinguished career, noting that his background in legal scholarship, public policy, and governance makes him well-suited for the role. The appointment comes as part of the administrator’s efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the state’s development agenda in line with the mandate set by President Bola Tinubu.
The government highlighted Worika’s impressive academic credentials, including a Ph.D. in International Environmental and Comparative Petroleum Law & Policy from the University of Dundee, United Kingdom. His vast experience in legal practice, both nationally and internationally, positions him as a key asset to the administration, especially in shaping policies that will foster the state’s growth and stability.
Worika’s career spans over several decades, with significant contributions to both academia and public service. He is currently serving as the Director of the Centre for Advanced Law Research at Rivers State University, where he has influenced legal education and curriculum development. Prior to this, he was the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt, where he contributed to the growth of the institution and the legal profession in Nigeria.
Beyond his academic achievements, Professor Worika has been an influential figure in global policy-making. As a Senior Legal Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, he provided strategic counsel on energy policy, regulatory frameworks, and governance. He also served as the General Legal Counsel for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna, where he played a critical role in shaping international law and energy diplomacy. His expertise in petroleum law and resource management has made him a sought-after consultant for governments, including Namibia, Malawi, and Guyana, where he helped draft legislation and design legal frameworks for sustainable development.
Professor Worika’s appointment is a significant step towards strengthening governance in Rivers State. The Sole Administrator emphasized the importance of utilizing the state’s rich human capital to drive policies that will ensure peace and stability. The appointment also highlights the administrator’s commitment to fostering excellence in public service and creating a conducive environment for growth and development in the state.
In a related development, the Sole Administrator also appointed Iyingi Brown as the Permanent Secretary for Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service. Brown will act as the Head of Service until a substantive appointment is made. This follows the resignation of the previous Head of Service, George Nwaeke, who served in the position for several years.
The Rivers State Government expressed gratitude for Nwaeke’s contributions during his tenure and wished him well in his future endeavors. The appointment of Brown is seen as a positive step in ensuring continuity in the leadership of the Office of the Head of Service.
In his statement, the Sole Administrator congratulated Brown on her new role and reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the state. He emphasized that the appointment was in line with the administration’s efforts to ensure the effective delivery of services to the people of Rivers State. The Administrator also stressed that the appointments were made with the aim of strengthening the state’s governance structures and ensuring that public services are delivered efficiently.
Professor Worika, who hails from Okrika in Rivers State, is a globally recognized scholar with a strong background in environmental and petroleum law. His work in legal research and policy advisory roles has earned him several accolades, including the OPEC Secretariat Award for Distinguished Service and an honorary title from the Ogu Council of Chiefs in Rivers State. These achievements, combined with his deep understanding of legal and governance issues, make him an ideal candidate to help drive the development agenda of Rivers State.
His appointment as the Secretary to the State Government is expected to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the administration. Given his background in both national and international law, it is anticipated that Professor Worika will play a key role in shaping policies that will enhance the state’s economic development, particularly in the areas of energy, environmental sustainability, and resource management.
The Sole Administrator’s decision to appoint Worika underscores his commitment to bringing highly qualified professionals into the leadership of Rivers State. It also reflects the importance of having individuals with strong academic backgrounds and practical experience in positions of governance to ensure effective policymaking.
Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s oil-rich regions, has long struggled with the challenges of managing its resources and ensuring sustainable development. The appointment of experts like Professor Worika is seen as an important step in addressing these challenges and setting the state on a path toward greater prosperity. His experience in energy policy and governance will be crucial in managing the state’s vast natural resources and ensuring that they are used for the benefit of the people.
The new appointments also reflect the ongoing efforts of the Sole Administrator to stabilize the state’s governance structure following several years of political instability. By appointing qualified individuals to key positions, the administrator aims to create a more efficient and responsive government that can address the needs of Rivers State’s residents.
As the state continues to navigate its development challenges, the appointment of experienced professionals like Professor Worika is expected to contribute significantly to the administration’s ability to implement its vision for a prosperous and stable Rivers State.
